Raue Center For the Arts

We attended the Nutcracker performance there last year, because a family member was in the cast. The show was actually up to our expectations, however the organization of the theatre was appalling. I had bought seats for 17 people, and the usher vaguely gestured that our seats were «down there». Well I went «down there» and my seat definitely was not there. After milling around for a while I then went and asked another of the helpers in a white sweater where my seat should be, and she said it should be on the right side of the aisle for that row number. I went and looked, and there was no such seat. Eventually the curtain was rising and I was still wandering around lost at the back of the auditorium, so I went and accosted a group of helpers in white sweaters who were standing there chatting with each other. One of them looked at my ticket and took responsibility to find my seat. It turned out that as many as 20 people were all sitting in the wrong seats, with the effect that my seat was taken. He offered me an empty seat that was present a long way from my family group and the seats that we had purchased all together. For me it was highly embarrassing and completely ruined what should have been a warm family Christmas experience. The show was pretty good, but the organization of the theatre completely ruined the experience. The seat ushers are amateurish and vague — they might as well have declared open seating instead of pretending to sell individual seat tickets.

Great local professional theatre venue! The starry ceiling is absolutely gorgeous. Cute spanish deco in the lobby, too. I love the variety of performances they choose for their season. Huge fan of how the technical quality of their productions have been improving over time. Really great venue to have in the community.

Went to this venue for the first time to see «Beehive». Nice place, cozy and good seats everywhere. Spanish themed interior for some reason, but attractive.
I don’t understand the one review comment about parking. We were there on a Saturday night and there were many places to park. Also a wide variety of places to eat within walking distance.

My previous review I was misinformed. It wasn’t the Raue Center that charged a 1 year old and also we found out $ 17 dollars for a 3 month old is was the Rebecca McCarthy school of dance that was charging the babies… pathetic. As if the school doesn’t cost enough.

The building is utterly amazing on the inside. Just wish it was better run. I have been coming to this venue for years and am sad to say the tech has been going downhill and the staff turn around is extreme. But the events brought into this space are quite good. Every show is excellent and I love this little gem. Just wish they could keep staff!

Attended the Rauetoberfest event yesterday with friends, and left after about 45 minutes!
We first went to the Raue Center, and we weren’t the only ones, there was a group of people trying to find out where the event actually was. We could hear music (Which should have been a clue, since it was ½ mile away!) The rock band was very loud — you had to shout to carry on a conversation no matter where you were. the food lines were extremely long and the service was slow. Once you got to the food table, even though the event promoted «German food» — the choices were Hot Dogs, Brats, Pretzels or a donut. I guess having brats allowed them to say «German food», but we felt that was misleading.
Suggestions for next year if you attempt this again:
1. How about a free pretzel for that $ 8.00 entry fee?
2. Get the German Band for the entire event — more fitting with an Octoberfest theme.
3. Support local businesses for the food and beer. We have great restaurants and a brewery in our town.
I would not suggest this event to anyone.

A few months ago, my sister was in a musical production at the Raue Center.
My husband drove us out to Crystal Lake on a cold winter’s night and to our surprise, the entire town was packed. There was barely anywhere to park. We eventually found a four-​hour parking lot next to a liquor station and walked the two blocks over to the theater. First note: parking isn’t easy.
Fortunately, that was the only thing we didn’t like about the Raue Center. The theater itself is kind of small, but beautiful. The walls and décor remind me of Italy or France or some other European country in the 1800s. The starry ceiling was my favorite part. As you’re sitting in the theater, look up and gaze. And be mesmerized. There’s more stars than you’ll see from hazy Chicagoland. But keep something warm handy, a slight draft came from somewhere and left me a little cold through the performance.
After the performance, we were treated to a visit to the VIP bar upstairs for the performers and their people. It’s a tiny bar, but perfect for an intimate, after-​show gathering. We made a quick appearance, congratulated a few actors, grabbed some free drinks, and headed back home.
Overall, not a bad experience. If you have a chance to see a show here, check it out.

I have been here few times over the last couple of years (Lily Tomlin, Steal Magnolias, Sweeny Todd etc). I will say that they put on some very good productions. The auditorium is large enough so you can get seats but small enough you have a good view. The seats are even fairly comfortable and ticket price is reasonable and much better then traveling into the city. Plus they have tons of parking that is free.
The new bar upstairs is very nice for a drink before or after the show. It makes it wonderful for a small group to have sometime after a show or before to catch up or discuss/​dish on the show you have just seen. The two times I have been in the bar they have had special drinks to match the production on stage. I thought this was cleaver and fun. The bartenders have been friendly. In the upstairs bar you will find some high top tables and a few small seating areas. The video monitors the last time had more unique pictures that I didn’t get since they didn’t match the play, the town or the upcoming shows, or the music. I would suggest they revisit that concept. BTW we were able to take our drinks into the show (with a cover).
I would highly recommend you attend a show at the Raue. Their season is a mix of shows and I’m looking forward to seeing more item in the future. In fact I’m even heading to one of their comedy nights, in a couple of weeks.
BTW this place survives on ticket sales and donations. I always feel its important for us all to support our local communities. Please give them a chance and if you don’t like something let them know.
While your there check out the rest of the street some fun local businesses around the area…

I love how they restored this place! I used to see movies here when i was a kid and they have done a impressive job keeping some of the old features while giving it a shiny new look. The sparkling star ceiling in the auditorium is amazing!
My only complaint is that they should have more tickets priced on the lower end for events. And they could have more local acts, especially local bands or open mic nights to attract non graying crowd for a change. How about some throwback movies too?
Props on the new sign outside… not just a plain white block anymore!

Saw Melissa Manchester and John Michael Copola (Jersey Boys) here this summer. It’s a great small theater in Crystal Lake. I took the Metra to see them from Arlington Heights (2 block walk from station) and it was great to be able to go out to a dinner and a show without having to deal with the Chicago headaches. Went to the after party as well at their upstairs bar, it was neat to be able to meet and talk with John.
Recommended.

Gem in downtown CL!
I used to come here to watch movies as a kid. I just went here for the first time in years for my daughter’s dance recital. It is very cool inside… old school pretty.

Love the Raue! We’re so lucky to have such a great venue here in the northwest suburbs. I wish the seating was a little more stadium-​style, but it’s small and intimate nonetheless.